A Medication Guide for Arthritis Patients: Do's and Don'ts
by Nathan Wei
Arthritis patients require relief from their pain. They also require direction when it comes to medications.
Since these patients are often seen by multiple physicians, clear and direct information about how to manage their medications is important.
Here are some useful tips.
Safety In the Doctor’s Office...
• Keep a list of medicines you are taking (Rx, OTC, herbals)
• Bring list and your medications to show the doctor
• Describe bad medication reactions you have had in the past
• Understand what your medications are for and their effects
• Understand how to talk them (e.g., how many, how often, what to do if a dose is missed)
• Write down how to take your
medications
• Assure you have enough medications to last to next visit
• Understand what bad reactions might occur from your medications and when to call the doctor
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions or express concerns
Safety in the Home
• Ask family members to help you remember to take your medications
• Don’t run out of your regular medications
• Read the Rx label each time you take your medication
• Don’t take medications in darkness
• Follow the doctor’s directions – if not, tell the doctor why you are taking them differently
• Store medications out of reach of children – do not refer to medications as “candy”
• Avoid using someone else’s prescription
medication
• Call your doctor if you think you are having a bad reaction to your medication
Dr. Wei (pronounced “way”) is a board-certified rheumatologist and Clinical Director of the nationally respected Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of Maryland. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and has served as a consultant to the Arthritis Branch of the National Institutes of Health. He is a Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology and the American College of Physicians. For more information on arthritis and related conditions, go to: http://www.arthritis-treatment-and-relief.com
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